July 16, 2010

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The 16th annual Fifth Third Bank Tennis Championships kicks off Saturday and will feature two of Kentucky’s own in the main draw event. Senior Megan Broderick (Tampa, Fla.) and junior Eric Quigley (Pewee Valley, Ky.) were both awarded wildcards earlier this week.

Saturday and Sunday’s events will include both the men’s and women’s qualifying draws in singles as well as doubles.  Main draw matches will begin Monday, July 20. Broderick and Quigley will take the court either Monday or Tuesday, specially designated “Big Blue Night”.

Both Broderick and Quigley were singles and doubles competitors in last year’s tournament. Broderick won three qualifying matches, advancing her to the main draw, but was knocked out in the first round.  The Wildcat was joined by teammate Caroline Lilley for their run through the quarterfinals.

Broderick is geared up for this year’s event, “I am both excited and grateful to have a wildcard for the main draw. Not playing the qualifying matches, only means I’ve got to be more prepared when I do play.”

Quigley also played the qualifying draw last year, but was cut short just shy of the main event. He and former Wildcat Bruno Agostinelli played their way to a berth in the semifinals.

Quigley had a history making collegiate season for Kentucky finishing with 42 singles wins and with International Tennis Association singles rankings of No. 10 and 17th in doubles. The Blue and White player netted his way to a round of 16 finish in singles and quarterfinal in doubles earning him All-America honors in both.  Quigley is currently competing with the United States Tennis Association Summer Collegiate Team and recently won the US Open National Playoffs Men’s Championships Qualifying Tournament in Atlanta, Ga.